England is a country that is rich in history, culture, and diversity. It is a popular destination for Muslim travelers who are looking to explore the country’s many attractions, including its stunning architecture, beautiful countryside, and vibrant cities. With a large Muslim population, England offers a range of halal food options, prayer facilities, and Islamic cultural sites. See our halal food guide for dining options. Explore halal food in England for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.

Muslim travelers can also experience the country’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture, from the historic landmarks of London to the trendy cafes of Manchester. Whether you are looking to explore England’s rich history or simply enjoy its natural beauty, this country has something to offer every Muslim traveler.

Is England Muslim-Friendly?

England is highly Muslim-friendly with one of Europe’s best Muslim infrastructures:

  • 3.9 million Muslims: About 6.5% of population
  • Excellent halal food: Thousands of restaurants
  • 1,500+ mosques: Historic and modern
  • Established communities: South Asian, Arab, Somali, Turkish
  • Multicultural cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford
  • Legal protections: Religious discrimination laws

England offers outstanding Muslim-friendliness comparable to any Western country.

Does England Have Halal Food?

England has excellent halal food availability:

London:

  • Whitechapel: Bangladeshi community, abundant halal
  • Edgware Road: Arab restaurants and shisha cafes
  • Southall: Little Punjab, South Asian halal
  • Green Street (Newham): South Asian community
  • Brixton: African and Caribbean halal

Birmingham:

  • Sparkbrook and Sparkhill: Major halal hub
  • Alum Rock: Pakistani community
  • Nearly 25% Muslim population in some areas

Manchester:

  • Rusholme (Curry Mile): Famous halal restaurant strip
  • Cheetham Hill: South Asian community

Bradford:

  • Strong Pakistani community: Extensive halal options

Leicester:

  • Belgrave Road: South Asian hub

British halal specialties:

  • Halal fish and chips
  • Curry houses (British-Indian cuisine)
  • Kebab shops nationwide
  • Halal fried chicken

What Is the Largest Mosque in England?

Baitul Futuh Mosque (London) is the largest:

  • Ahmadiyya Muslim Community mosque
  • Capacity for 10,000 worshippers
  • Located in Morden, South London
  • Modern architecture with dome and minarets

Most significant for mainstream Muslims:

East London Mosque:

  • Major Sunni mosque in Whitechapel
  • Capacity for 7,000
  • Community hub with services

London Central Mosque (Regent’s Park):

  • Iconic golden dome
  • Built 1977, capacity 5,000
  • Major Islamic cultural center

Other significant mosques:

  • Birmingham Central Mosque
  • Manchester Central Mosque
  • Bradford Grand Mosque

Are There Many Muslims in England?

England has approximately 3.9 million Muslims (6.5% of population):

  • Pakistani origin: Largest group, 1.1+ million
  • Bangladeshi origin: Major community, especially in London
  • Indian Muslims: Significant presence
  • Arab communities: Lebanese, Egyptian, Iraqi, Yemeni
  • Somali community: Growing presence
  • Turkish and Kurdish: Established communities
  • Converts: Active revert community

Muslims concentrate in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Leicester, and Luton.

Is England Safe for Muslims?

England is very safe for Muslims:

Positives:

  • Strong multicultural society
  • Legal protections against discrimination
  • Hijab and modest dress widely accepted
  • Millions of Muslims live freely
  • Police take hate crimes seriously

Considerations:

  • Occasional far-right activity
  • Post-Brexit some tensions reported
  • Urban areas more diverse than rural
  • Some tabloid media can be hostile

England is one of the safest, most welcoming countries in Europe for Muslims.

Top Muslim-Friendly Destinations

London

  • Whitechapel: East London Mosque, Brick Lane
  • Regent’s Park Mosque: Iconic landmark
  • Edgware Road: Arab quarter
  • Major attractions: All accessible with halal nearby

Birmingham

  • Most Muslim city: 25% in some areas
  • Sparkbrook: Halal hub
  • Birmingham Central Mosque: Major landmark

Manchester

  • Curry Mile (Rusholme): Famous halal strip
  • Museums and culture: World-class attractions
  • Football: Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium

Bradford

  • Strong Muslim community: Excellent infrastructure
  • Yorkshire Dales: Nearby natural beauty
  • Affordable: Lower costs than London

Practical Tips for Muslim Travelers

  1. London has everything: Best halal infrastructure
  2. Curry Mile in Manchester: Must-visit for food lovers
  3. East London Mosque: Visit for Friday prayers
  4. Halal is everywhere: Even supermarkets stock halal meat
  5. Fish and chips: Widely halal (verify oil used)
  6. Currency: British Pound (GBP)
  7. Multicultural: Hijab completely normal in cities
  8. Prayer apps: Useful for accurate times